Family trees were planted and a beautiful Garden was designed on the property behind the Church. The Emmaus Walk was dedicated on May 16, 1993. An addition was completed in 1993, and was dedicated on January 23, 1994. A Lift, to enable all to attend Worship Services in the Sanctuary, was dedicated on September 15, 1996. A Service of Thanksgiving was held on November 2, 1997 to celebrate the newly redecorated place of Worship and a wonderful Addition - Foyer, Office, Hall, Kitchen, and Washrooms. The Building Committee completed its work at the end of 1997, when all the costs of the addition were paid. The Sanctuary Windows were renewed and rededicated to the Glory of God on Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001.

Wesleyan Methodist Church 1877 - 1906 (Sketch of First Methodist Church at New California)	Trinity United Church New California - 2002

The Congregation of Trinity Church started meeting in the Log School House (L.S.H.) prior to 1877. Land on the corner of 2nd Concession and McCain Side Road was purchased in 1877 from Leonard and Mary Wigle for a cost of $5. A brick veneer Church was built facing the McCain with double doors in the front. Lighting was by coal oil lamps. This Wesleyan Methodist Church was dedicated October 25, 1877.

In 1906 the thriving community was named "New California" and a larger Church was needed. Construction of the Church building began April 1, 1906 with beautiful stained glass windows surrounding the Sanctuary. The entrance for the Church included an arched window with the words: "ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING". Trinity Methodist Church was dedicated by the Rev. R. C. Burton in October of 1906. In 1925 with the union of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches it became Trinity United Church, New California.

The stained glass windows in the Sanctuary were all rebuilt in 1991 & 1992. A parking lot and a garden at the back of the property were added in 1993.

In 1993 a new front entrance was designed. Glass doors now announce: "TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, NEW CALIFORNIA". In May of 2000 a storm blew off a portion of the roof and took off the cupola. The repairs were completed for the 124th Anniversary Service celebrated on October 28, 2001 with the Pastoral Minister, Linda Blair.

Elaine Guitar and her husband Layne Van Loo painted this mural in memory of Fred Wright.  This beautiful mural was installed in the outside arch of the building facing Road 2 West and dedicated on Palm Sunday, 2005.


October 20-22, 2006

Under the leadership of Margaret Pare a Committee actively prepared for this 100th Year Anniversary of the present Church building.  Invitations were sent to former members and flyers were prepared to distribute at the local Apple Festival Parade and Migration Festival Parade. Margaret along with Elaine Wright spent countless hours preparing for this special weekend.

Elaine also will act as Master of Ceremonies for the Saturday evening Celebration. She and Margaret will play many piano/organ duets which everyone should enjoy.

As part of the Committee Elton Allen was the Senior Consultant invaluable with his knowledge of the Church building and its history.

Marie Santos spent hours reviewing the microfiche at the Kingsville Reporter to gather interesting information about the Tendering of the Contract to build this Church and the Laying of the Cornerstones.

Bonnie Monminie prepared a booklet The Church on the Corner - 2006 with information taken from the booklet, 125 Years of the Church on the Corner 1877-2002, which was prepared for the 125th Anniversary.  The Memorial Book was also updated with the items that have been donated to the Church and dedicated to the Glory of God.

Gary Belanger built and installed the display cases in the Narthex.  His design includes an area for special artifacts of historical meaning such as the original trowel used in the construction of the Church and the original Deed.

Barbara Dalton organized a cookbook with recipes from present day members and Elaine selected favourite recipes from the two previous cookbooks which have been well used and are in some cases in tatters.  Several members volunteered to type the recipes which were then emailed to Cheryl (Wright) Best in Calgary who formatted the cookbook so it could be taken to the printer.

Barbara is also preparing the lunch to follow the Sunday Worship Service.

Barbara Keyes contacted Members of Parliament and other dignitaries to include them in the weekend festivities.

Tara Pare gathered the Congregation onto the front steps one Sunday morning after the Service to take photographs of the various groups of the Congregation.

Dan Hickey and Rob Pare prepared the video that will be shown during the Saturday evening celebrations.

Cliff Balkwill donated a rock from Harcliff Farms. It was engraved with the picture of the Church with the dates 1906 – 2006 and has been placed near the front entrance.

THE SPECIAL EVENTS OF THE WEEKEND

Friday, October 20, 2006 - following the Ecumenical Service at Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary –

Fellowship Time and refreshments will be enjoyed at Trinity Church.

Saturday October 21, 2-4pm - Open House, Tour of the Church and Tea.

Saturday October 21, 7:30pm - Special Celebration and refreshments.

Sunday, October 22, 11am - Worship Service with Guest Speaker Rev. Curtis Marwood,

Guest Soloist Paul Balkwill and lunch.

Ministers Serving On the Ruthven Charge

1890-1891	Rev. J. P. Rice
1891-1892	Rev. S. Salton
1892-1896	Rev. E. Medd
1896-1900	Rev.W. McMullen
1900-1902	Rev. Wm. Baugh
1902-1905	Rev. John G. Fallis
1905-1908	Rev. Robert C. Burton
1908-1912	Rev. Rufus L. Wilson
1912-1914	Rev. James B. Currie
1914-1917	Rev. C. Louis L. Couzens
1917-1921	Rev. Herbert J. Creasy
1921-1925	Rev. Wm. E. Stafford
1925-1930	Rev. Samuel J. Bridgette
1930-1932	Rev. J. A. McKelvey
1932-1936	Rev. G. Everett Ashton
1936-1938	Rev. Charles W. Leslie
1938-1943	Rev. George J. Minielly
1943-1945	Rev. T. Harold Ackert
1945-1950	Rev. P. E. James
1950-1957	Rev. Thos. H. Bagnall
1957-1959	Rev. J. Y. McGookin
1959-1962	Rev. John B. Barrett
1962-1963	Rev. Sidney Davison
1963-1967	Rev. Donald Campbell
1967-1975	Rev. John E. Davies
1975-1978	Rev. Malcolm A. Fife
1978-1982	Rev. Dale Davis
1982-1987	Rev. Isagani L. Lazaro
1987-1990	Ian Sloan
1990-2006	Linda G. Blair
2007-	Sheryle Steadman

The Sanctuary and Gardens of Olinda-Ruthven United Church Ruthven	The Sanctuary of and Mural at Trinity United Church, New California